Wilmington City Council Meeting - February 19, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met at 6:30 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with President Trippy Congo presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer by Mary Alina Rivera and a roll call showing 10 members present and 3 absent. The council approved the minutes, received the Public Safety Committee report recommending a vote on a smoke shop moratorium ordinance, and accepted the City Treasurer's report showing total investments of $574,641,531.84, cash on hand of $20,149,721.10, and a grand total of $594,791,252.94. Non-legislative business was approved en bloc.

Recognition Resolutions

• Vita Woolley, Esq., MBA: Recognized for passing multiple bar exams (Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania) on first attempts, including two within one year, and for serving as Deputy Attorney General for Delaware. Council members and her father spoke in celebration.
• Black-Owned Businesses: During Black History Month, the council recognized over 20 Black-owned businesses on Market Street and downtown. Owners of Juxtamod, Jet Phoenix, Green Box Kitchen, 10K, Milk and Honey, Stop the Violence Coalition, La Fade Gallery, Urban Fork, Midnight Flavor, Bridge Art Gallery, Town and Shore, WJVS Radio, Cyborg Cafe, Oath 84, and others gave brief remarks thanking the council and emphasizing community support.

Public Comments & Testimony

The public comment period focused heavily on Resolution 26-012 (18-4), concerning the Christopher Columbus statue. Twelve speakers contributed:

• Deacon Earl Tate encouraged voting and civic engagement.
• Rob Savaris (WITN) called the resolution "hate speech against Italian Americans" and urged a no vote.
• Nancy Denisio (7th District) asked the council to vote no, supporting the statue's return to Pennsylvania Avenue or placement in Father Tucker Park.
• Jerry Delaterio shared his family's history with the Columbus Monument Committee and supported re-erection.
• Mimi Sebelis supported the resolution, citing Columbus's documented atrocities including enslavement and violence, and argued for honoring other Italian figures.
• Albert M. Greto (attorney) presented historical packets and argued the statue represents Italian heritage; he asked the city to return the statue.
• Lydia Konstaneski read a letter from a friend opposing the statue on public grounds due to Columbus's cruelty.
• Dominic Albano shared a personal story linking the statue to his grandmother's immigrant experience and urged support.
• Rita Carnavalli cited 1830 census data about free Black slave owners, suggesting historical complexity.
• Ruth James spoke as a Lenape descendant, asking the council to pause and consider all stories before placing more statues.
• Baba Hameen opposed the statue on public property, citing Columbus's role in genocide and slavery, and urged placement on private land.
• Anthony Fletcher argued history must be truthful and supported a museum placement, not public display.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-011 (Support for HS1 for HB94): Councilmember Owens presented a resolution endorsing state legislation requiring local entities to coordinate with the Attorney General before cooperating with ICE in certain sensitive locations. Adopted 10-0-3.
• Resolution 26-012 (Christopher Columbus Statue): Councilmember Darby's resolution stated Columbus should not be honored on public property due to his record of genocide and slavery. Debate included Councilmember Johnson representing the Italian American community's desire for the statue, and Councilmember Field, Willower, and Oliver opposing the resolution. President Congo noted the unfair burden on historically victimized communities. Defeated 3-6-2 (Yeas: Darby, Owens, Congo; Nays: Spadola, Hackett, Field, Johnson, Willower, Oliver; Presents: Bracey, Harley; 2 absent).
• Resolution 26-013 (Independent Redistricting Commission): Sponsored by Councilmember Darby, this sought a charter amendment for an independent commission. Councilmember Oliver noted past opposition in Dover on cost and party involvement. Defeated 4-6-3.
• Resolution 26-014 (Port Corporation Board Representation): Councilmember Darby proposed a formal city council seat on the Diamond State Port Corporation Board. Councilmember Harley supported, citing past problems with port operation communications. Adopted 10-0-3.
• Resolution 26-015 (Port Expansion Annexation): To ensure the city retains head tax revenue from the port's expansion into Edgemoor, the council asked for annexation. Councilmember Darby noted discussions with the governor and county. Adopted 10-0-3.
• Resolution 26-016 (Special Elections for Vacancies): Sponsored by Councilmember Darby, this would allow citizens to fill council vacancies via special election rather than council appointment. Debate included concerns from Councilmembers Oliver, Bracey, and Johnson about party involvement and statewide implications. Councilmember Owens argued it empowers communities. Adopted 8-2-3 (Yeas: Owens, Darby, Harley, Willower, Johnson, Field, Bracey, Hackett, Congo; Presents: Oliver, possibly others? Transcript says 8 yes, 2 present, 3 absent).
• Ordinance 26-014 (Water/Sewer Service Line Agreement): First and second reading of an amendment with American Water Resources LLC. Referred to Public Works and Transportation Committee.
• Resolution 26-017 (Porch Piracy): Councilmember Oliver encouraged the General Assembly to pass HB 50 to criminalize package theft from porches. Adopted 10-0-3.
• Resolution 26-018 (250th Anniversary Economic Development Conference): Councilmember Oliver proposed an economic development conference to attract investment, with emphasis on all city corridors. Council members stressed equity beyond downtown. Adopted 9-0-4.
• Ordinance 26-015 (FY2026 Budget Amendment): First and second reading to amend the operating budget. Referred to Finance and Economic Development Committee.
• Ordinance 26-016 (Insurance Brokerage Services): First and second reading of an agreement with USI Insurance Services. Referred to Finance and Economic Development Committee.
• Ordinance 26-004 (Temporary Moratorium on Smoke Shops): Third reading and final passage. Councilmember Johnson emphasized the need to regulate unlicensed smoke shops. Council members Oliver and Harley stressed enforcement issues. Adopted 9-0-4.
• Resolution 26-019 (HOME ARP Funds Amendment): Authorized transferring $150,000 for homeless prevention services. Adopted 8-0-5.
• Resolution 26-020 (CDBG Funds Amendment): Transferred $110,000 to Code Purple for unsheltered individuals and $1 million for rental rehabilitation. Adopted 8-0-5.

Key Outcomes

• Defeated: Resolution 26-012 (Columbus statue on public property) failed 3-6-2.
• Defeated: Resolution 26-013 (Independent redistricting commission) failed 4-6-3.
• Adopted: Resolutions 26-011, 26-014, 26-015, 26-016, 26-017, 26-018, 26-019, 26-020.
• Adopted: Ordinance 26-004 imposing a one-year moratorium on new smoke shop licenses.
• Referred: Ordinances 26-014, 26-015, 26-016 and pending committee consideration.
• Next Steps: Public works committee meeting on February 23 to discuss snow removal; council to continue working with Italian American community to find private property for the Columbus statue.